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Opportunities to Improve Prevention and Services for HIV-Infected Women in Nonurban Alabama and Mississippi

Objective:The intent of this study was to identify opportunities for improving the effectiveness of HIV prevention before nonurban (rural and small-city resident) Southern women are infected and the medical and social services offered to them after they are infected.

Methods:At several HIV clinics in nonurban Alabama and Mississippi, women with HIV infection (who reside in small cities and towns outside of Birmingham) were identified and interviewed about the period during which they probably acquired HIV and about their needs and the services provided after they were found to be infected with HIV.

Results:Before they were infected, these 211 young (mean age, 33 years), mainly African- American (67%) women often reported being seen at HIV testing sites (37%) and, among drug users, at drug treatment facilities (30%), where they presumably received counseling to prevent becoming infected. Once infected, many (21%) said they were not directed to HIV treatment sites, half (50%) were sexually active in the month before they were interviewed, many (13%) sought treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in the 12 months before the interview, and many (36%) reported unmet needs for HIV treatment related to having no insurance or Medicaid.

Conclusions:Prevention and treatment of HIV for nonurban Southern women are not fully effective. Given the continued sexual activity of these women, more focus on preventing transmission from persons who are already infected is warranted.